American Red Cross - Blogger Internship
Mission Statement or Organization Description:
The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies
by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.
Job Title:
American Red Cross Blogger/Feature Writer
Job Description (intern’s roles and responsibilities):
Red Cross Bloggers and Feature Writers are a part of a creative content volunteer
team that creates professionally written content for regional platforms including
blogs, social media feeds, websites and other outlets.
Blue Sky Operations (when we are not in a disaster operation) involve activities such as the following:
- Provide regular content for the Texas Gulf Coast blog. Blog posts are typically 300-500 words and assigned by the Communications team each month.
- Write human interest stories that highlight the work of volunteers, leaders, donors, disaster victims, etc. Feature stories are typically 500-1,000 words and may require telephone interviews or face-to-face interviews.
- Identify supporting visuals for blog and feature stories.
- Work independently to find unplanned content related to Red Cross to share on the blog.
- Proofread, edit others’ work as requested by Regional Comms Officer
During Grey Sky Operations (when we are responding to a disaster, like the recent Houston floods):
- Interview affected families, obtaining a story and signed information release form for each interview
- Submit stories to the public affairs desk before completing your shift
- May be asked to shoot photos with your smart phone if a photographer isn’t available
Preferred Hours/Week:
20 – 30 hours per week preferred
Preferred Start Date:
ASAP
Preferred End Date:
To be determined up front with intern and UHD leadership; six months preferred.
Preferred End Date:
To be determined up front with intern and UHD leadership; six months preferred.
Workdays Each Week:
To be determined per discussions with student; two to three per week preferred.
Hours of Each Workday:
8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Compensation:
Unpaid
Basic Skills Required:
- Demonstrated AP style writer
- Strong writing, editing, research and interpersonal skills
- Must be familiar with basic computer operations and have the ability to upload content to the blog or by email remotely
- Authentic, creative, engaging storyteller
Preferred Skills/Experience:
- Bilingual skills—English/Spanish—are valued
Any Specific Requirements:
Any student who interns with the American Red Cross must apply as a volunteer online
at redcross.org/volunteer/become-a-volunteer. Once they do, they will need to complete
the following courses:
- New Employee and Volunteer Orientation (NEVO)
- Public Affairs Essentials (Online)
- Fundamentals of Disaster Public Affairs, National Response (Online)
Other online and in-person training may be required as well, depending upon the intern’s interests and needs.
NOTE: Prospective interns should speak with the Regional Communications Officer before initiating the volunteer application process.
Internship Contact:
Tyler Moyer-tyler.moyer@redcross.org
281-728-6830
Redcross Site or Local web Redcross.